5 Underrated Midwest Cities to Visit

Select Registry -

Road TripsSelect Registry - December 31, 2014

The Midwest region of the United States in scattered with world-class city centers that attract visitors from all over the globe. Everyone seems to be aware that Chicago, Indianapolis, Minneapolis and St. Louis are worth visiting, but there are so many other Midwest cities to visit where you’ll have just as interesting, cultural and fun experiences. Often referred to as the heartland the Midwest is home to the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, the Great Plains, the Great Lakes and some of the burliest winters nationwide. If you have yet to visit this beautiful region of the country here are five recommended, and often overlooked, Midwest cities to visit.

Fairfield County, OH

In Fairfield County, OH, just 33 miles of Columbus you’ll find the quaint college town of Athens, OH. Home to Ohio University, this small city is known for various other reasons. In addition, Lancaster, OH, exhibits interesting cultural centers like the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio and the Glass Museum of Ohio. The Lancaster Festival is also well-known for its fantastic display of music and the arts. Exceptional hospitality two Select Registry inns just a short drive from Lancaster: Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls and Glenlaurel, A Scottish Inn and Cottages.

Marshall, MI

Marshall, MI, near Battle Creek, is home to one of the nation’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts. This grouping of over 850 buildings is a conglomeration of 19th and early 20th century architecture, and was dubbed by that National Register of Historic Places a “virtual textbook of 19th century American architecture.” Among those historic buildings is the National House Inn Bed and Breakfast, which is the oldest bed and breakfast in the state of Michigan. It has been hosting guests since they traveled by stage coach 170 years ago.

Cedarburg, WI

Just north of Milwaukee you’ll find the beautiful town of Cedarburg, WI. Near the shore of Lake Michigan, Cedarburg is also homes to the Washington Avenue Historic District, in which you’ll find the Washington House Inn Bed and Breakfast. Located right downtown within walking distance from the cities great shops, restaurants and brew pubs, this historic inn juxtaposes a historical setting with modern amenities.

Louisville, KY

Louisville, KY is the largest city in Kentucky, and one of the oldest cities west of the Appalachian Mountains. It is known for being the home of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken and the University of Louisville. Listed on the National Historic Register is one of the city’s finest establishments, the Central Park Bed and Breakfast. Just a few blocks from downtown Louisville, and across the street from Central Park, this landmark bed and breakfast will round out your Louisville experience.

Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, MO, an old Missouri River port town, is now the most populous city in the state of Missouri. The 18th and Vine Neighborhood downtown is famous as the birthplace of Kansas City Jazz and Kansas City Blues. The city is also known for the Kansas City style Barbecue, as well as the famous Border War during the American Civil War. Among its amazing accommodations is the Southmoreland on the Plaza Bed and Breakfast.

If you’re planning a trip to the Midwest, considering doing something outside Chicago and other well-known metros and head down a less trodden path to one of these quintessential Midwestern cities to visit.